You can find information about the Calligraphic Arts Guild of Toronto (CAGT) here
or you can email charlene_sam@hotmail.com for more information
or call Neilson Park Creative Arts Centre at 416-622-5294

Classes in the Toronto Area

For Calligraphy Classes in the Toronto area please go to:
CAGT through Charlene Sam at charlene_sam@hotmail.com
or Michele Nidenoff at mnidenoff@rogers.com 416-482-5348

Descriptions of Classes Available for Stores, Guilds
and Interest Groups
These class descriptions are intended to give an idea of the types
of classes that I can teach for your store, your guild, your interest
group or your conference. Class descriptions, timelines and tools
can be tailored to suit your particular interests and the needs
of your clientele. The classes are divided into the following
categories:

Bookbinding

Calligraphy

Paper Decorating

Interdisciplinary (including stamping, origami, card making
etc.)

Creative Writing

Intensive (Weekend and Full Week classes)

Simply Bound Books (full day)
This one day class is perfect for paper crafters who want to learn
the basics of bookbinding. You will go home with several wonderful
little books and you will have learned the basic skills for choosing
papers, working with the proper tools, sewing single signature books,
folding an accordion properly and making several simple covers.

Simple Sewn Books (half day)
In this half day class you will make three lovely little books based
on the single signature book form.

Gallery Books (half day class)
Wow! Can you do that again? That is amazing! This book form is sure
to get attention when you show it to your friends and family. The
prefect book to showcase many types of artwork and photographs,
this book has become a favourite for paper crafters from all parts
of the globe.

In Love with the Lotus (half day)
This is one of the most versatile book forms that a beginner can
learn. We will make lotus books in many different sizes and shapes,
in singles and in multiples and you will have so many ideas for
how to use them when you leave class that you won’t know where
to start first.

Meander Books (half day)
From puzzle books to travel journals, this is a versatile book form
that is perfect for beginners and advanced paper crafters alike.
Not only will you make several different shapes and sizes of meander
books in class but you will also learn how to make a wonderful box
to hold your books.

Fancy Fold Books (full day)
This class offers both beginners and advance paper crafters the
opportunity to explore folded book forms that don’t require
any glue. From the pages inside to the covers they fit into all
of the charm of these book forms is in their folds. We will explore
accordion books, lotus books, meander books, pocket fold books and
so much more and there will be clever covers for all of the books
that don’t use glue either!

Covered Board Accordion (half day)
This class focuses on the skills you need to learn to cover bookbinding
board successfully. You will be shown how to make a rectangular
cover and a shaped cover. At the end of the class you will have
completed at least one covered board accordion book.

Flexagons (full day)
Flexagons are book/card forms that magically twist and turn as the
reader interacts with them. In this class you will make many of
the basic flexagon forms featured in Sleight of Binding, including
the amazing 3-D kaleidocycle.

Jacob’s Ladder (half day)
These toys are traditionally make with wooden blocks that tumble
over each other.
Paper crafters with some experience will enjoy the challenge of
create a two-panel and six-panel Jacob’s Ladder with paper
board and ribbons. Jacob’s Ladders are a fun way to showcase
many different paper crafting techniques like rubber stamping, collage,
photo memories and more. The amazing Milkman’s Wallet will
also be demonstrated in class.

Getting Under the Covers (half day)
This class is for paper crafters who want a repertoire of quick
and sophisticated covers to use on their books. You will learn to
fold, stitch and glue a number of covers that are suitable for simple
sewn books and accordion books. There will be a demonstration of
how to cover bookbinding boards properly.

Long Stitch Journal (full day)
This class is for paper crafters with some basic bookbinding experience
who want to learn how to make a multiple signature book. You will
learn how to cut and fold paper properly for the sections in the
book. You will complete a basic long stitch book in class which
features decorative spinal stitching and there will be demonstrations
of how to vary the stitching to create different effects along the
spine.

Soft Cover Coptic (full day)
This challenging book form is perfect for journals and sketchbooks
because it lays flat when open. You will complete one soft cover
coptic book in class while learning how to cut and fold the sections
of the book and how to stitch the distinctive spinal pattern. There
will be a demonstration of how to make a hard cover coptic book.

Post and Screw (full day)
Remember the scrapbooks of your youth that were held together with
posts along the left edge? These were post and screw books. Your
finished scrapbook will have a covered board cover made with chiyogami
(a wonderful, versatile paper from Japan), black pages and the aura
of an age gone by.

Stab Bindings (half day)
These bindings come out of the bookbinding traditions of the Orient.
In class you will make a lovely sample using oriental papers and
linen threads. Your instructions will include several wonderful
stitch variations that you can try at home.

Piano Hinge Books (half day or full day)
These versatile books are wonderful to display because their flexible
spine allows them to open into a full circle. They can be rectangular
or shaped to complement the theme of your book. The spine feature
is a wonderful place to showcase found objects, beads and special
cords.

Miniature Library (half day)
This lovely set of miniature books has its own slipcase. You will
go home with six lovely accordion books in their own box. A great
way to showcase a special collection of quotes, family stories,
vacation memories and so much more.

Take Out Two Ways (half day)
In this class you will make a delightful take out box and you will
learn how to make two simple book forms that fit easily inside it
(lotus book and simple sewn book). These sets of books are magical
and you will go home wanting to make lots more.

Monoline Copperplate for Scrapbookers (full
day class)
As scrapbooking gains popularity many people are looking for ways
to improve their writing so that they can show their work with pride.
This class will introduce you to either a monoline italic or a monoline
copperplate script that are simple and elegant. These hands look
great in albums and they can also improve your daily writing! We
will talk about tools and tricks for using lettering in albums and
working on different papers and coloured backgrounds.

Writing With a Glass Pen (half day class)
On first glance these pens look ornamental rather than functional.
However, these pens are often the perfect tool for the handmade
and ornamental papers that you want to use in your work. In the
class we will explore a variety of writing fluids and you will be
introduced to a monoline copperlate script that is both elegant
and functional for scrapbooks, cards, collage and journalling.

Making Celtic Knots (Half Day or Full Day)
Celtic knots are wonderful, intricate patterns which can be created
in strict historical form or with a much more modern feel. These
patterns are easier to create than you might imagine and are a wonderful
way to add borders and unique decoration to your work. Instruction
will be given in creating the basic knots, freely drawn images and
border work. Resources will be shown which will help expand your
knowledge of the history and design possibilities of this craft.

Gesso, Gold and other Good Stuff (full day/weekend)
Gesso is a coating that can be applied to paper, cloth and wood
to create a soft, responsive surface for a variety of mediums and
materials. Gesso can transform a journal, an altered book or a found
object into a playground for chalks, inks and gilding supplies.
This class will expose you to a wide array of materials, techniques
and tools in a way which will allow you to explore your own creative
style in greater depth.

Paste Papers (full day)
From vibrant swirls to the look of frescoed walls, this paper decorating
technique is versatile and fun. Using common kitchen ingredients
and acrylic paints we will create a painting medium that allows
you to tranform paper with lush textures and colours. The papers
you create in this class are perfect for calligraphy, handmade books,
stamping, collage, journalling and so much more.

Throwing Paint About (full day)
Be sure to eat a nutritious meal before you come to this class!
There are a myriad ways to decorate paper and in this class we will
explore techniques that will allow you to add more dimension to
your art work. Using a variety of pigments, mediums and tools we
will splash, dab and spray our way through the day and create papers
that will have your friends begging you to show them how! Please
wear old clothes and come prepared to play! This is a great class
for novices but even advanced papercrafters may come away with a
few new ideas or some twists on the old ones.

Watercolour for Wimps (Half Day/Full Day)
I grew up being afraid of watercolours. They were very mysterious
and what little experience I had with them led me to believe that
they were unwieldy to use and hard to control. Sound familiar? In
this workshop the art of using watercolour will be demystified and
you will learn simple techniques to make them an integral part of
your papercrafting projects. Not only will you learn how to use
watercolour for simple illustrations but many innovative ways of
creating unique backgrounds will also be demonstrated. You may bring
your own watercolours and brushes or pay an additional materials
fee and have paints and a brush provided for use during the class.
Oh yes, and bring a roll of toilet paper with you!

Working with Walnut Ink (Half Day/Full Day)
Historically, this rich brown ink was made by scribes with the boiled
and ground shells of walnuts. Artists today have rediscovered this
wonderful ink and are using it for calligraphy, paper decorating,
fabric dyeing and even photo tinting. In this class you will get
to experiment with writing tools that work well with walnut ink,
you will explore its possibilities for paper decorating and you
will get to see samples of the many ways it can be incorporated
into your art work. From vintage looks to modern backdrops you will
find this is a versatile product to have in your tool box.

Photo Transfer (half or full day)
Photographs, especially ones mellowed with the patina of time, evoke
a strong emotional response. These photos are made even more haunting
and alluring when they are transferred onto fine art papers, enhanced
with colour tinting and used as backdrops for poignant remembrances,
cards and collages. The transfer method will be demonstrated and
students will have the opportunity to transfer their own images
onto art papers. This process is particularly applicable for students
interested in keeping memory journals and creating family histories,
but it is also an exciting springboard for calligraphic broadsides
and handmade art books. (Class only taught when an outdoor workspace
is available due to the fumes created during transfers. Not suitable
for pregnant artists.)

Gelatin Prints (Half Day/Full Day)
This printmaking technique uses common kitchen ingredients and waterbased
pigments to create ethereal andhaunting prints. Working with watercolours,
aquarelle crayons and water based inks you will explore the effects
that it is possible to acheive with this method of printmaking.

Suminagashi Marbling (Half Day)
The ancient art of Japanese marbling is called suminagashi. Using
water based dyes and water we will create wonderful swirls of pastel
and grey to create backgrounds for cards, broadsides and hand bound
books. This process uses non-toxic materials and is a wonderful
technique for paper crafters of all ages and levels of experience.

Masterfield Papers (Half Day/Full Day)
Named for Maxine Masterfield, this technique allows you to create
one of a kind pieces of decorated paper. Using a wide palette of
luscious colours and a few tools you will make papers that echo
the patterns of nature. While your papers are drying there will
be demonstrations of ways to enhance the papers with fine markers,
inks and stamping as well as samples of finished projects using
Masterfield papers.

Origami for Stampers (half day)
Mixing origami forms with stamped backgrounds is a great way to
decorate cards and book covers. In this class we will demystify
the process of reading origami instructions and you will make three
origami figures that will be perfect for a variety of seasons and
occasions.

Origami for Scrappers (half day)
In this class you will learn three origami forms that are perfect
to complement a variety of scrapbook pages. You will be amazed at
how easy it is to follow origami instructions after a few of the
basic folds have been explained to you. You will see sample pages
that showcase the origami forms taught in class.

Quilt Inspired Paper Crafts (half day)
In this class we will take several famous quilt block designs and
work with them to create paper quilt features that make great cards
and scrapbook decorations. These blocks can be embellished with
charms, grommets, stitching, beads, antique buttons and ribbons
to make them into one-of-a-kind additions to your artwork.

Bargello (half day)
This stunning paper features a characteristic wave pattern first
designed by fabric artists in Italy and is a perfect technique to
showcase chiyogami which is a lush silk screened paper from Japan.
You will learn a strip piecing method familiar to quilters which
makes creating this paper much easier. You will complete one sheet
of bargello in class and you will be shown lots of ideas for projects
that are perfect for completion with bargello.

Iris Folding (half day)
This paper craft is a perfect way to combine your scraps of special
papers into dynamic designs that are perfect for cards. You will
learn how to make a fan card in class and will be shown how to go
about creating your own unique designs.

Hand Carved Rubber Stamps (half day)
With a sharp blade and a steady hand you can create your own rubber
stamps! In order to maximize your success with this craft we will
look at many examples of successful hand carved stamps and at a
number of good sources for simple, clear designs. You will learn
about the different tools you an use for carving and the different
types of materials that can be used to make stamps. Each student
will complete at least one stamp in class.

Paper, Scissors, Beads! (half day)
From specially created handmade papers to recycled comic books,
everyone has papers in their stash that will make stunning beads.
You will make a variety of shapes and sizes of beads in class and
we will show you how to mix your handmade beads with beads you can
buy to make lovely bracelets and other great jewelry. These beads
are perfect for book embellishments as well.

Paper Jewelry (full day)
Explore the world of paper jewelry in this full day class. You will
go home with at least four pieces of jewelry that are ready to wear
and will make great gifts for holidays and birthdays. You will learn
how to use basic jewelry making tools and supplies and how to combine
them with paper folding, collage, rolling, embossing and more to
make unique one-of a kind adornments.

Kumihimo - Japanese Braided Cords (half day)
This class will introduce you to the amazing braids and chords that
can be made using the techniques employed by Japanese artisans for
hundreds of years. You will make a very simple braiding loom out
of cardboard and you will use it to create several inches of a eight
strand braid. A proper kumihimo loom will be shown in class and
you will learn how to read a basic pattern. These braids are wonderful
for handmade books and for jewelry and mix well with polymer clay
beads.

Haiku (half day)
Haiku are lovely three line poems that use nature as their focus.
If you are looking for a way to begin to release the poet that you
have always felt was buried deep inside you, this class will be
perfect for you. (This class works well with the Stab Binding class
as the completed poems are perfect for that book form.)

Variations on Journal Entries (full day)
Journalling has become a skill that many paper crafters want to
explore. Regardless of whether your writing is destined for an heirloom
scrapbook or a very personal artists’ book, you will find
the exercises in this class will help you to develop your own unique
style of writing.

Developing Your Own Journalling Illustration Style
(full day)
Many of us feel that we aren’t artists because we can’t
draw. We are hesitant to even attempt to create an artists’
journal because the thought of illustrating it is just too scary.
In this class you will learn a wide variety of techniques for illustrating,
illuminating and transforming journal pages that don’t require
drawing.

How to Write Instructions (full day)
Do you love to teach but find that it is difficult to prepare course
materials that provide clear instructions for your students. Is
there often a person in your class who just doesn’t “get
it” and you are not sure why? In this class you will learn
about the different types of adult learners that will be in your
classes, how to plan a lesson that will be easier for your students
to follow and how to write instructions that will be helpful for
a variety of learning styles.

These classes are designed for serious students and artists who
want to immerse themselves in an area of study for a significant
amount of time. Most of these classes can be tailored to a full
weekend, half week or full week format.

Finding Your Niche (weekend, half week or full
week)

As artists we all struggle to find our own niche, to speak our
own voice. In this class you will have the opportunity to explore,
experiment and entice your own artistic persona into clearer focus
through a variety of experiences and activities which will include
elements of collage, bookmaking, creative writing, image transfer,
stitching, stamping.... If you have ever wanted to make an artists’
book and needed the time and guidance to make it a reality this
is the class you want to take.

Pockets Full of Books (week long)

This class is for papercrafters who want an intesive introduction
to bookbinding. By the end of the week you will have been introduced
to papers, materials and tools, sewn books, accordion books, folded
books, creating book content, book covers and so much more. You
will return home with enough book making ideas to keep you creating
for years to come.

Sleight of Binding (2-3 Day class)

Do your books do tricks? After you take this course your books
and cards will flip, slide, turn, revolve and just generally astound
all who see them. You will learn how to create flexagons and other
books that contain folding tricks which make them absolutely unforgettable.
Some of the projects covered in class will be hexaflexagonals, quatrigons,
kleidocycles, Jacob’s Ladders, Chinese Sewing Kits and woven
accordions. These wonders require special consideration for text
placement and lettering styles. Some class time will be devoted
to working out appropriate lettering which will work in a fluid
way.

This course is intended for calligraphers, bookbinders, printmakers,
collage artists, rubber stampers, desktop publishers and anyone
interested in exploring the possibilities presented when the word
meets paper. Limited edition books can take many forms and in this
class you will discover the joys of producing a myriad of accessible
books which lend themselves to small edition reproduction by hand
or by using the computer printer or the photocopier.

The initial two days of the course will be spent immersing ourselves
in making dozens of small prototype books, covers, slipcases and
wraps. All of these books are suitable for use as one of a kind
artist’s books and many samples of these will be available
for study. During the third day of class we will explore ways of
getting text into books. We will discuss type and calligraphic design,
the rules of text layout and ways in which they can be accomplished
using the skills that you have. Calligraphic layout will be demonstrated
as well as desktop publishing and scanning. The remainder of class
time will be spent on creating a small printing of a limited edition
book by hand or using a photocopier. Students will be given assistance
with choosing a book form to suit their text, with the layout and
design of the book and with production procedures and tricks which
will lead to a satisfying finished product. Students may work on
this project alone or may choose to collaborate with another student.
Students may choose to participate in a book exchange at the end
of the class or at a later date chosen by the students.

The Journal: Form and Content (3-5 Day Class)

It is through the journals of men and women from the past that
we get our clearest picture of what life was like for them and how
they fit into their own time. Journals come in many different forms
: formal to intimate, banal to erotic, unadorned to embellished.
This course is an intensive introduction to multiple signature sewn
book forms that are suitable for a variety of journalling purposes.
In this class you will learn how to create coptic and long stitch
journals which will suit a wide variety of purposes. Interspersed
amongst the bookbinding times will be periods of creative writing
where you will be challenged to explore a variety of creative writing
and illustrating styles so that you can begin to develop a style
of journalling that is uniquely your own. Monoline copperplate and
other useful calligraphic hands for journals will be demonstrated
and exemplars will be provided. In the five day class, samples of
different techniques for illustrating journals with drawings, rubbings,
transfers, memorabilia, travel brochures and rubber stamps will
be shown and students will have opportunity to try some of these
techniques.

“Folded: Not Sewn”: Variations on the Accordion
(2or 3 Day class)

A few simple folds and you have a book. A few more folds and a
judicious cut or two and you have an entirely different structure.
From the concertina to the gallery book, this course will give students
the opportunity to make a wide variety of accordion books such as
reverse folds, basic pop-up books, gallery books, tunnel books,
flag books, meandering books and several books that do tricks. Instruction
the first day of class will cover basic forms and work techniques.
Ample time will be given for students to study samples and make
models of the books and covers. The second day students will work
with a text and create mock-ups of a variety of layouts and formats.
The instructors will facilitate private and group critiques of these
rough drafts and students will be encouraged to created a finished
book during the last day of class.